The men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series captains were given a warm welcome to Seville, Spain on Wednesday ahead of the fourth round of the Series at Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla on 28-30 January. The teams arrived in Seville, where they were pictured at Plaza de Espana, fresh from a thrilling third round in nearby Malaga as Spain hosted the Series for the first time last weekend.
South Africa’s men and Australia’s women continue to lead the Series Standings but the USA took the women’s title in Malaga, beating Russia in the final, while South Africa required a last-second try to overcome Argentina in an epic men’s final. After three rounds of the 2022 Series, South Africa dominate the men’s Series standings with a maximum 66 points, followed by Argentina with 53 points accumulated from three consecutive podium finishes with Australia in third on 47 points.
South Africa will have a new captain this weekend as Impi Visser takes the armband in place of regular captain Siviwe Soyizwapi who misses out through injury. Commenting on the incredible winning run Visser said: “For us, as a squad, it is not about breaking records or winning a certain number of games, it’s about everybody being tuned in to the same page, knowing what our goals and values are, and enjoying the team spirit. We’re not putting a lot of pressure on ourselves, the boys are calm and collected and really excited for this weekend.”
“To captain this side is a huge honour and privilege. A lot of the guys that have captained before me are legends of the game that have stood in this position, so for me, it is a real honour and we plan to enjoy this weekend.”
Teams from New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa were unable to travel to Spain due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pool draw for the men’s tournament saw the all-conquering South Africa placed in Pool A alongside the USA and hosts Spain in a three-team pool which includes only three teams as Samoa are unable to participate. Opposition teams will be awarded a bye against Samoa with a three-point victory and 0-0 scoreline recorded.
Pool B involves Argentina, silver medallists in Malaga, who will take on Ireland, Germany and Jamaica. In Pool C the youthful England squad that claimed bronze in Malaga will face France, Wales and Japan.
Core Series teams Australia, Canada, Scotland and Kenya are drawn in a strong looking Pool D.